By Liz Page
STAMFORD – Jumping into the frigid waters of Goodyear Lake in mid-February isn't everyone's idea of having fun, but it is fun and its benefits cannot be praised enough. Believe it or not, there are people who return year after year to participate in what is now a very popular event. It has grown into something the participants anticipate all year long. It is meeting with old friends and making new friends as they gather to take the plunge for a good cause. Last year it raised a record $182,000 to help a number of local families.
John Snellbaker, of Stamford, said he would jump into the cold water again and again, as long as someone writes a check to make it worth his while. He knows first hand how critical the funds are for a family with a child going through a medical crisis. He and his wife, Mindy, were recipients in 2023 as their son Waylon faced tremendous medical challenges. The team, based out of TPs Cafe in Stamford, which has been a longtime supporter, is named Team Waylon, honoring the memory of Waylon Snellbaker.
There are many families over a wide area who have benefitted from the Goodyear Lake Polar Bear Jump. The Snellbakers were among eight recipients in 2023. This year there will be 10 recipients. The recipients come from all over. One of this year's recipients will be Emily Jade Bennet, of Davenport, who has Spina Bifida. Another is Adlee Joan Kellerhouse, of Delhi, who was born with Trisomy 21, a Down Syndrome.
"We want to get the word out there that there are many ways for people to donate," said Snellbaker. "Or you can sign up to jump."
The jump is set for Saturday, Feb. 15 at 12:30 p.m. at Goodyear Lake. Directions and jumper information may be found on the website: pbjump.com. Or you can visit them on Facebook at Polar Bear Jump 2025. It lists this year's recipients and their stories.
The information is available on the website or there is still time to sign up at T.P. s Cafe´, located at 7 Railroad Ave in Stamford. They are also selling Polar Bear Jump sweatshirts for $20. They are free with a $100 donation. The mugs have sold out, but there are still some magnets and pens. Jumpers sign up and collect a minimum of $100 to jump. Every penny raised goes directly to the children who have been nominated because they are facing life threatening or life limiting diagnoses.
Mindy Snellbaker is asking people to donate, to help other families. "It will be greatly appreciated, probably more than anyone will ever know.” She asks that you make a memo for Team Waylon on your check. There is also a Venmo set up as well as an account at any NBT bank where donations may be made.
John Snellbaker said donations have been a little slow this year, so anything you can do, sign up to jump or donate, will be appreciated. Last year, Team Waylon raised $41,000 and they are hoping to raise the bar this year.
She said “Waylon's spirit lives through all of us. On February 15 we will take the plunge in Good Year Lake to help other local families with children facing life threatening illnesses and medical complexities.”
She said the plunge is actually invigorating and with the team it creates a great sense of of community with people coming together to let the children and families know they are not alone. The colors for Team Waylon are red, white and blue.
To date there are 30 people signed up for the team, but more can still sign on. If you would like to jump, contact TPs Cafe´in Stamford.
Once you take the plunge, there is a hot tub ready to warm you back up and a chance to be warm and socialize with all the other brave souls who took the plunge.
A few brave ’Team Waylon’ members make their way to shore after taking the cold plunge into Goodyear Lake where a hot tub is waiting to wash away the cold. Their annual Polar Bear Jump, set for Feb. 15, raises money for a great cause.
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